My preceptor gets frustrated with me.
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I feel down and I just need to get it out.
I'm a new grad and I'm in orientation. This is my 2nd week on med/surg floor with my preceptor.
I might be a slow learner but I am trying so hard to... Read More

Feb 18, '07

Joined: Oct '06; Posts: 1,256; Likes: 66

Just tell her that GardenDove thinks your precepter sucks, okay? That should take care of matters...

Your first insinct was right about the capsules. I have the MD switch the order all the time to Micro-K for my little old people who can not swallow big pills. Micro-K capsules can be opened and put in applesauce if needed. Many people complain of a 'burning' sensation with the liquid which you dilute. There are also packets of powdered potassium you mix with juice, but I can not remember the name of it. It bugs me too when people crush everything. Time consuming but definitely being an advocate. As far as the pca pump, the cna should notify you when they look uncomfortable, what if it isn't pain related? Plus you'll be aware if there needs to be adjustments with his pain medication, etc. And yes it is illegal for her to do so. In my state LPNs don't touch them either. Be respectful and stick to your guns.

It might be time for a reevaluation of the patient, perhaps it is not appropriate for him/her to be using a PCA pump.

Feb 19, '07

Joined: Jul '03; Posts: 2,937; Likes: 2,388

In school, we're taught that if we do something wrong, we'll be failed. Yet the second we set foot outside of school, we see nurses doing things "wrong" left and right and there being no clear repercussions or clear ways to deal with these inconsistencies.

We were warned that we might run across nurses who don't do things 'by the book' and that we should just do what we 'know' is right. That's overly simplistic in my opinion. As a newbie, you know you don't know as much as the experienced nurses, though you may know a few things that they don't.

It seems that in practice, a questionable practice is either ignored or it becomes a disciplinary issue (getting written up). I'll again blame it on tight staffing because in most places no one has the time or resources to make sure each unit's nurses are all on the same page in regard to usual practice.